There’s no better time to buy a watch than when you’re heading off to university. These stylish accessories have a long-standing association with rites of passage in many cultures. And it’s likely you’re going to be referring to it a lot when trying to catch the Metro or bus, get to class on time, and meet deadlines.
While smartwatches have exploded in popularity, there’s no doubt classic analogue watches still hold their own. They don’t need to be connected to the Internet, they don’t distract you with notifications, and there’s no need for charging overnight. With only one purpose – to tell the time – they do their jobs efficiently, accurately, and usually very stylishly.
So, kick off the next chapter of university life with a brand-new timepiece that’s made for young adults. We picked our favourites for both men and women, to suit all styles and budgets, based on top-rated reviews on Amazon. Get your favourite one with Prime membership for free, fast delivery.
1. Best Chronograph (Men): Hugo Boss Men’s Quartz Watch
Pros
- Water resistant up to 50m
- Comfortable leather band
- Comes in an elegant box
Cons
- Expensive
A true classic, Hugo Boss’ watch features an eye-catching blue dial and high-quality calfskin strap. The chronographs on the dial show you everything you need to know, including the date, and the scratch-resistant mineral glass is hardy enough to protect your watch during daily wear. At 44mm, the case size is neither too big, nor too small. Several satisfied reviewers, who have given the watch 4.5 stars on Amazon, say the watch has a good weight and feels luxurious.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh46.95 for 12 months with select banks
2. Best Chronograph (Women): Fossil Women's Riley Watch
Pros
- Can be worn for formal and casual occasions
- Water resistant up to 100m
Cons
- Dial size might be large on some wrists
This dazzling watch by Fossil adds sparkle to your everyday routines. Designed with stainless steel and a crystal dial, the Riley watch features multifunctional movement in a chronograph dial. Although some reviewers say the watch is not delicate by any means – its 38mm case size is on the larger side, and it’s heavier than usual – it still exudes an elegant charm, according to more than 17,000 4.6-star reviews. Surprisingly, the watch can even be worn for snorkelling and shallow diving, since it is water resistant up to 100m.
3. Best Stainless-Steel Watch (Men): Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Men’s Watch
Pros
- High-quality build
- Powered by solar energy
- Water resistant up to 100m
- Comes in its original box
Cons
- Dial may appear small on some wrists
- Expensive
While all-black watches were trending a couple of years ago, their appeal hasn’t completely faded, especially when it comes to the dial. Seiko’s Prospex Speedtimer is a beautiful stainless-steel chronograph watch, with a curved sapphire crystal dial window and black tachymeter bezel. Teal LumiBrite hands and markers allow you to check the time even in the dark. One of its biggest advantages is that it’s a solar watch that’s powered by light energy – no battery required. Once it’s fully charged, its power reserve lasts up to six months. However, some reviewers find that the watch looks small and busy on the wrist, because of its 39mm case diameter.
4. Best Stainless-Steel Watch (Women): Coach Arden
Pros
- Lightweight watch
- Water resistant up to 30m
- Floral bracelet included
- Comes in an elegant box
- Warranty included
Cons
- Stainless-steel bracelet may not be an exact fit
Combining silver and gold, this stylish watch from Coach is all about showcasing the trendiness of mixed metals. With a stainless-steel bracelet, and three-hand movement, the Arden watch is chic and sophisticated. Crystals sparkle around the case and in strips along the band, and with a case diameter of 38mm, it’s the perfect fit for most women’s wrists. Reviewers love the glamorous touch this accessory adds to their outfits. However, since the watch's stainless steel bracelet has a clip closure, it may be loose or tight, depending on your wrist size.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh65.58 for 12 months with select banks.
5. Best Sports Watch (Men): Casio Men’s Sport Analogue Dive Watch
Pros
- Vintage design
- Water resistant up to 100m
- Choose from nine colours
- Warranty included
Cons
- Strap can get dirty frequently
With close to a 1,000 4-star reviews, nearly every aspect of Casio’s sport watch has been praised by reviewers. It’s water resistant up to 100m so it can be worn during water sports, and the watch includes both day and date display. It features a big, diver-style design, with chunky markers in vintage colour combinations, like black and gold, or black and white. Reviewers say it sits well on the wrist and can be worn comfortably under long-sleeved shirts, as well. But since the band is made from resin, it can pick up dust and dirt quickly. Choose from nine different colours! Check out other sports watches for men.
Bonus: Redeem an extra 10% discount with Citibank by entering the code ‘CB10AUG’ at checkout.
Warranty: This product comes with a two-year warranty.
6. Best Sports Watch (Women): Lacoste Stainless-Steel Watch
Pros
- Elegant, clean design
- Water resistant up to 30m
- Scratch-resistant
Cons
- Strap wears out quickly, reviewers say
Simple and elegant, Lacoste’s silver-tone, stainless-steel case features elegant gold and white accents. The three-hand movement on the 38mm dial helps you keep precise time. Crystals mark the hour positions, and the brand’s signature crocodile sits at the three o’ clock position, in gold. While you can’t take the watch in the shower or go swimming with it, it does withstand splashes of water. The white leather band adds a sporty appeal, reviewers say, but it does tend to wear out quickly with daily use.
Bonus: Redeem an extra 10% discount with Citibank by entering the code ‘CB10AUG’ at checkout.
7. Best Unisex Watch: Timex Weekender
Pros
- Indigo backlight for night
- Clean and minimal dial
- Water-resistant in up to 30m
Cons
- Ticks loudly, say reviews
We picked Timex’s Weekender as having the best display among unisex watches in 2024. Since it’s ideal for daily wear, students will enjoy this dress-down watch with comfortable fabric straps. Its brass case sits at a happy medium size of 38mm. The off-white dial and olive-green band give the watch its vintage look. This is a great option for someone who likes a no-nonsense watch face, with clear Arabic numerals, dark hands, and a backlit dial for easier legibility at night or when camping, note reviews. Buyers confirm that the band fits both big and small wrists. But some do point out how loud the ticking can get, and recommend sleeping without it.
Warranty: The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
